The Association for Consultancy and Engineering Group (ACE) has announced two significant appointments to its senior leadership team, strengthening its position as a prominent voice for UK consultants and engineers in the built and natural environment. Ben Brittain has been named Public Affairs Director, a newly created role, while Marie-Claude Hemming takes on the position of Policy Director.
Ben Brittain, an experienced policy and public affairs professional, brings a diverse background spanning academia, corporate, and political advisory roles. He began his career at the University of Birmingham, specialising in infrastructure, regional economic development, and devolution. He later served as an advisor to Andy Street, the former Mayor of the West Midlands, focusing on transport, economy, and the environment. Most recently, Ben was at Zurich Insurance UK, where he supported public affairs, with a particular focus on the public sector, AI in financial services, housing, and remediation.
In his new role as Public Affairs Director at ACE, Ben will be crucial in managing and delivering the organisation’s public affairs and communications activities. He is set to commence his new post on 19 May 2025.
Marie-Claude Hemming, a respected communications and policy specialist, will join ACE on 30 June 2025 from the Civil Engineering Contractors Association (CECA). Known across the industry for her proactive approach, Marie-Claude developed and managed a thriving policy-driven public affairs and communications team at CECA, later taking on wider organisational responsibilities as Director of Operations. With 13 years of direct experience in the infrastructure sector, she already holds a strong profile at C-suite level throughout the construction industry.
Marie-Claude currently supports the work of the Construction Leadership Council (CLC), leading cross-industry workstreams on late payment and fairer contractual terms. As ACE’s new Director of Policy, she will play a key role in developing and delivering the association’s policy activity, focusing on establishing a robust member-led evidence base to support timely intervention and recommendations. She will also lead engagement with key decision-makers, clients, and the delivery of ACE’s policy event programme.
Leadership Reacts to Key Appointments
Kate Jennings, Chief Executive Officer at ACE Group, expressed her enthusiasm for the new additions, stating: “Ben and Marie-Claude are joining ACE at an exciting time, with the government looking to publish the industrial and infrastructure strategies.”
She added: “They will support the outstanding contributions to infrastructure our members are making and continue to build collaboration with government to create the conditions where our sector can thrive, creating better places to work and live and move the UK forward towards sustainable economic growth.”
New Directors Share Their Vision
Upon his appointment, Ben Brittain said: “I’m thrilled to join the ACE Group at such a pivotal time for our members. I’m eager to connect with stakeholders, government representatives, and our dedicated membership to drive meaningful impact.”
He further emphasised: “Our members are trusted partners to government, and with our industry’s collective expertise, we’re uniquely equipped to turn political ambitions of growth powered by infrastructure into a reality through a solutions focused approach.”
Marie-Claude Hemming added: “I am excited to work with the team to ensure ACE Group is always the first point of call for decision makers within the construction and infrastructure spheres.”
She concluded: “The expectations of what good placemaking means for a 21st century society are rightfully high. I look forward to championing the work of ACE Group so that every political voice understands the role our sector plays. Together we will deliver the world-class infrastructure and growth the UK so desperately needs.”
